A sleek silhouette, aggressive lines, cutting-edge technology, and a modern powertrain—don’t be fooled, we’re definitely talking about a Buick here.
For several years now, Buick has been working hard to redefine its image, but the model that truly changed everything for me is the Envista. The first time the brand unveiled it, I thought—like many others—that it was a concept too good to be true, one that would never see the light of day. In the end, Buick went for it, and that boldness gave birth to one of the most impressive success stories in the automotive world. In just a few short years, the Envista has become one of the brand’s most popular models. So let’s take a look at the factors that helped it rise to the top so quickly.
1 — A Radical Design
I have to admit, I was shocked the first time I saw the small SUV in person. The Envista exudes a presence and character that very few vehicles can match. Its design was such a hit that it eventually influenced Buick’s entire styling direction.
2 — Bold, Vibrant Colours
Buick long played it safe with conservative colour choices, but the American automaker decided to loosen up a bit with the Envista, adding even more personality to an already expressive model. Every colour available brings its own charm, but I personally have a soft spot for the Metallic Teal Blue.
3 — Full Digital Instrumentation
The first thing that strikes you when you step inside the Buick Envista is the massive display that houses both the instrument cluster and the multimedia system. Its design is unlike anything else in the segment, giving the model a distinct edge over its rivals.
4 — A Three-Cylinder Engine
The Buick Envista is powered by a modern 1.2-litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine. Despite its modest displacement, it produces 137 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque, which is more than enough for a vehicle of this size.
5 — The Perfect Size
In general, today’s vehicles are significantly larger than those of the past, which can make city driving difficult—especially since streets haven’t widened. Although the Envista looks substantial and offers a surprisingly spacious interior, it is officially classified as a subcompact SUV. That makes it extremely agile and easy to manoeuvre in high-density areas.
6 — An Impressive Equipment List
The Buick Envista’s list of standard and available features is extensive. Unlike its Chevrolet cousin, the Envista gets a power liftgate, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and much more. These kinds of features significantly enhance the overall experience, allowing the small American SUV to compete with luxury models in terms of equipment.
7 — A Ridiculously Low Price
With such a striking silhouette, such generous equipment, and everything else it offers, you wouldn’t be surprised if I told you the Buick Envista cost over $50,000—but it doesn’t. In reality, Buick’s small SUV is far more affordable. The model starts at just $32,025, while the most expensive version is priced at $36,825. In my opinion, someone at General Motors made a mistake, because the Buick Envista should cost much more.
Jean-Sébastien Poudrier
